More relaxations came into effect from today as Phuentshogling cautiously reopens. The Southern COVID-19 Task Force started easing restrictions Mega Zone-wise from Friday. The town was under lockdown for more than a hundred days after a positive case was detected from the community on April 16.
Beginning today, in Mega Zones 1 and 2, one person from a household who is vaccinated is allowed to come out with a movement card to buy essentials within the respective sub-zones. Only the identified shops are permitted to remain open from 8 AM till 6 PM. Import and export will also resume. As per the notification from the COVID-19 Task Force, the zones will transition to a Yellow Phase.
The easing of the lockdown relaxations in Phuentshogling began on July 23 from Mega Zone 3, covering Pasakha, Ahlay and Pekarzhing.
The health ministry also conducted the second vaccination drive in the town over the last week. Of more than 25,300 individuals who registered, around 75 per cent were vaccinated.
Besides, some 2,000 children were given the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Finally, after enduring more than three months of lockdown, the residents are heaving a sigh of relief.
“As per the notification from the task force, there will be more relaxation from next week. We are all vaccinated and hopeful that the situation will improve soon,” said Vishwadeep Chhetri, in Phuentshogling.
“We were under lockdown for over 100 days. It wasn’t easy. Nevertheless, we understand that such measures are put in place for our safety. We are grateful to the government for the vaccine. We wish the cases gradually go down and the situation improves,” added Nima Gyeltshen.
But as much as they are relieved and hopeful, they are aware that the danger of the Coronavirus is far from over. Until a few days ago, the town continued to detect cases from the community despite strict restrictions.
Phuentshogling reported over 180 positive cases from the community since April 16.
Meanwhile, as per the notification from the COVID-19 task force, restrictions will be relaxed further from next week. However, schools and colleges shall continue to remain closed except those operating in self-containment mode and approved by the task force.
For now, the task force urges the public to exercise maximum caution and follow the COVID-19 health protocols at all times.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
